Islington
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Islington from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover your local listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Islington's most historic sites, included in the National Heritage List for England. Some of these captions have been summarised by AI. Click through for the official List entry.
New River Head (former Metropolitan Water Board offices)
Islington
Utility company headquarters, now flats, 1915-20 and 1933-6 by Herbert Austen Hall, incorporating interiors from the demolished Water House of 1693.
Former Clerkenwell Fire Station
Islington
A former fire station with flats above, built 1912-1917 to the design of HFT Cooper of the Fire Brigade Branch of the London County Council Architects' Department.
Union Chapel
Islington
Congregational chapel, 1876-7 by James Cubitt, tower completed 1889. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Bunhill Fields Burial Ground
Islington
Bunhill Fields is a Grade I Nonconformist burial ground with historic significance, notable burials such as Blake and Bunyan, and unique 1960s landscaping by Sir Peter Shepheard.
Belvoir Estate
Islington
Social housing scheme of 1983-1987 by Islington Architect's Department, under Chris Purslow (job architect Gerry Jury). Read the official list entry to find out more.
Crescent House Including Ground Floor Shops and Shakespea…
City and County of the City of London
Crescent House, designed by Chamberlin, Powell, and Bon between 1958-1962, is notable for its innovative post-war architecture, blending contrasting materials and carefully planned urban...
The Verger's Cottage and remodelled entrance (part of the…
Islington
A Verger's Cottage and re-modelled entrance, of 1908, by Ernest G Trobridge.
Nos. 31-57 Myddelton Square
Islington
A terrace of 27 houses, some now flats, along the east and north sides of Myddelton Square, laid out 1824-1827 by William Chadwell Mylne, Surveyor to the New River Estate. Nos.
44 Britton Street
Islington
Town house of 1986-1988 for Janet Street-Porter, designed by Piers Gough of CZWG and built by Mike Di Marco. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Mural at City of London Academy
Islington
Mural, c1964, by William Mitchell. Originally one of a pair. Located on gym building of the same date by Sherrer and Hicks, which is not of special interest.
Gillespie Primary School
Islington
Board school, 1878-9, by E R Robson, architect to the School Board for London. Minor later alterations. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Hanover Primary School and Railings, Panelled Walls and G…
Islington
Elementary school, now primary school. 1931-2 by the London County Council (LCC) Architects Department. Small early C21 extension to rear is not of special interest.
Bacon Smokehouse
Islington
Bacon smokehouse, 1877 by Charles Bell for ER Parker, provisions merchant. Converted to offices in the late C20. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Former Engine House and attached boiler houses and coal s…
Islington
Pumping engine house with attached boiler houses and coal store.
The Mildmay Social Club including front boundary walls, r…
Hackney
Working men's club including front boundary wall, railings and lamp posts. Built in 1900-1901, possibly incorporating fabric from earlier houses on the site, to the design of Alfred Allen.
War Memorial at Thornhill Road Gardens
Islington
First World War memorial. Erected 1920. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Boundary Walls, Gates and Railings to Bunhill Fields Buri…
Islington
Walls, railings and gates bounding Bunhill Fields Burial Ground, of 1868 (east side) and 1878 (west side), and a late C18 or early C19 wall with numerical plaques (south side).
No. 28 Britton Street
Islington
No. 28 Britton Street is an early-C18 terraced town house, now in office use. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Windmill base, New River Head
Islington
Base of windmill built 1707-8 to power water pumps. Tower demolished c1770 and in mid-C19, when the structure was converted to a store. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Postal Workers' War Memorial
Islington
War memorial erected 1920 and moved to its present site in 2013. Read the official list entry to find out more.
War Memorial at St Silas Church
Islington
First World War memorial. Erected 1917. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Setted Street Surface
Islington
Setted road structure, comprising courses of granite setts of the 1860s and York flagstone pavements with granite kerbstones on the early C19.
Former Sunday school, lecture hall and vestry block to Un…
Islington
Former Sunday school, lecture hall and vestry block to Union Chapel, 1876-7 by James Cubitt. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Islington through time
This timeline shows the first period of use for buildings and places on the National Heritage List for England, just one of the details recorded for every list entry. Click around to see how Islington changes over time.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Islington
Aerial photography helps reveal secrets of England's changing landscapes that are impossible to see from the ground.
Finsbury
The Northampton Institute, St John Street and environs, Finsbury, 1947
Clerkenwell
The Spa Green Estate, Rosebery Avenue and environs, Clerkenwell, 1952
St Luke'S
Goswell Road, King Square and environs, St Luke's, 1947
St Luke'S
The Cannon Brewery, St John Street and environs, St Luke's, 1947
St Luke'S
The area around Priestley House, St Luke's Church and environs, St Luke's, 1947
St Luke'S
Union Glue & Gelatine Co Ltd Cransley Works on Garrett Street, St Luke's, 1951
Clerkenwell
New River Head Metropolitan Water Board Building and environs, Clerkenwell, 1928
Pentonville
The Priory Green Estate and environs, Pentonville, 1952
Islington
Morgan Mansions, the Mersey Estate and prefabricated housing at Ringcroft Street, Islington, 1947
Islington
Morgan Mansions, the Mersey Estate and prefabricated housing at Ringcroft Street, Islington, 1947
Islington in the Historic England Archive
The Historic England Archive cares for over 15 million images, dating from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Islington's past.
Eric de Mare
Islington, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1945 - 1980
Copy of an illustration taken from the Builder Journal depicting a design for houses and shops in Worship Street by Philip Webb.
John Gay Collection: London
Clerkenwell, Islington, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1950s
Men browsing at a second hand book stall on Farringdon Road, with the dome of St Paul's Cathedral visible in the distance
John Gay Collection: Highgate and Hampstead
Highgate, Islington, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1946 - 1999
Traffic along Highgate Hill on a rainy day, looking towards the Old Crown public house.
John Gay Collection: Modern Architects
Islington, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1972 - 1979
The exterior of 4a Wharton Street, a modern building constructed to the rear of early 19th houses on Wharton Street, Islington
John Laing Collection
Islington, Greater London Authority
Date created: 07 Oct 1971
Two workmen installing railings on a flat roof adjacent to the top floor of the Royal Scot Hotel during its construction
Alfred Newton and Sons
Clerkenwell, Islington, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1904
INTERIOR GREAT HALL SHOWING FIREPLACE
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Islington, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1920 - 1960
EXTERIOR GENERAL VIEW FROM GARDENS
John Gay Collection: London
Clerkenwell, Islington, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1950s
People browsing at a second hand book stall on Farringdon Road, with the dome of St Paul's Cathedral visible in the distance
John Gay Collection: Highgate and Hampstead
Highgate, Islington, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1946 - 1999
Traffic along Highgate Hill on a rainy day, looking towards the Old Crown public house
John Gay Collection: Modern Architects
New River Estate, Islington, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1972 - 1979
The crescent of early Victorian houses at Percy Circus in Islington
John Laing Collection
Islington, Greater London Authority
Date created: 01 Dec 1971
The south facade of the Royal Scot Hotel covered in scaffolding during its construction, viewed from the south-west with Great Percy Street in the...
Alfred Newton and Sons
Islington, Greater London Authority
Date created: 1904
DETAIL VIEW OF LEFT HAND FIGURE BEHIND EFFIGY
Stories about heritage in your local area
Historic England publishes news, blogs, research, videos, and podcasts celebrating England's rich heritage. Discover the stories we have about Islington.
A Brief Introduction to Semi-Detached Housing
Mentions Lloyd House and Attached Railings
Semi-detached housing is the most prevalent type of housing in England today, making up one third of the housing stock.
12 Places Connected to Queen Elizabeth I
Mentions The Charterhouse
Discover the locations where Queen Elizabeth I lived and visited, including Hampton Court Palace, Hatfield House and Kenilworth Castle.
Where Handel Meets Hendrix: London’s Musical History in 7 Places
Mentions Union Chapel
Famous musicians have lived and worked in and around London for hundreds of years.
The History of the English Science Lab
Mentions Shoreditch County Court and Attached Railings
The modern laboratory emerged in the 1680s when the University of Oxford built the first Ashmolean Museum.
Lifting the Curtain: Theatre Then and Now
Mentions Sadler's Wells Theatre
British theatre originated in the medieval era, with a strongly religious influence.
Where to Find Egyptian Style Architecture in England
Mentions Mecca Bingo
‘Egyptomania’ was the height of fashion in Regency England. Here are some of the places you can see its impact.
How Did Women Win the Right to Vote?
Mentions Unitarian Chapel
This year marks 100 years since the Representation of the People Act 1918 granted the first women the vote.
8 Sites That Tell the Story of Italians in England
Mentions Roman Catholic Italian Church of St Peter and Presbytery
Italians have lived in England from the time of the Roman Empire in 43AD and the cultures of the two countries have been intertwined for centuries.
5 Historic Places that Mark LGBTQ+ Love and Pride
Mentions Islington Town Hall
Explore the historic places in England connected to LGBTQ+ history
Amazing Architecture on the Underground
Mentions Holloway Road Station (London Transport)
London Underground has a history of thoughtful and thorough design and detail
7 International Architects who Helped Shape England
Mentions Finsbury Health Centre
Architects from around the world have contributed to England’s built environment.
Mentions Islington
Stanley Halls was built between 1903 and 1909 by the inventor and entrepreneur William Stanley as an entertainment venue for the community of South...
Hidden Gem in South London: The Unique Architecture of Stanley Halls
Stanley Halls was built between 1903 and 1909 by the inventor and entrepreneur William Stanley as an entertainment venue for the community of South Norwood in South London.
Heritage at Risk in England Revealed in 2020
Mentions Unitarian Chapel
Historic England has revealed the historic sites most at risk of being lost forever as a result of neglect, decay or inappropriate development.
1980s Buildings Officially Become Heritage
Mentions Belvoir Estate, 44 Britton Street, Islington
Historic England announces the listing of 17 Post-Modern buildings
Places With Queer Histories Listed to Mark 50th Anniversary of the Partial Decriminalisation of Homosexuality
Mentions 7 to 9 and 13 to 53 (Odd) Noel Road and Attached Railings, Islington
The two new listings come ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Sexual Offences Act 1967.
20 Unusual Places Given Listed Status This Year
Mentions Islington
Historic England has today published highlights from the 510 places added to the National Heritage List for England in the past year.
Islington's social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about their local area.
Whitby Court, Holloway Estate, Holloway, Greater London
Period: 1970s (1970 - 1979)
A young boy colouring in a picture on a coffee table in the centre of a living room at Whitby Court on the Holloway Estate in Islington
Whitby Court, Holloway Estate, Holloway, Greater London
Upper Street, Islington, Greater London
Period: Edwardian (1902 - 1913)
A busy street view. There ia a clear view of a horse drawn bus with what appears to be a motor bus behind.
Upper Street, Islington, Greater London
Unitarian Chapel, 39 Newington Green, Stoke Newington, Greater London
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
According to the plaque this chapel was "Erected A.D.1708, enlarged A.D.1860." An extension was added behind in the 19th century for a Sunday School.
Unitarian Chapel, 39 Newington Green, Stoke Newington, Greater London
Two children in a playground outside a block of Jespersen flats at Pooles Park, Islington, Greater London Authority
Period: 1970s (1970 - 1979)
In 1963 John Laing plc bought the rights to a Danish building system for flats known as ‘Jespersen’ or 'Jesperson'.
Two children in a playground outside a block of Jespersen flats at Pooles Park, Islington, Greater London Authority
Toll gate on Archway Road, Islington, London
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
This toll gate on Archway Road was removed in 1871.
Toll gate on Archway Road, Islington, London
The Female Scarlet Fever Ward,London Fever Hospital, Islington, London
Period: Edwardian (1902 - 1913)
The London Fever Hospital was a voluntary run infectious diseases hospital founded in 1802, moving to Liverpool Road in 1848.
The Female Scarlet Fever Ward,London Fever Hospital, Islington, London
The Clock Tower, Caledonian Market, Islington, London
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
This picture from a collection of photographs of Victorian London shows the meat market at 4.35 pm.
The Clock Tower, Caledonian Market, Islington, London
St John's Gate, St John's Lane, Clerkenwell, Greater London Authority
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
The south face of St John's Gate during the construction of the adjoining building on the east side of St John's Lane.
St John's Gate, St John's Lane, Clerkenwell, Greater London Authority
Visit grant-aided places near you
These places and buildings have been helped by Historic England's financial grants. Find historic places in your neighbourhood that you never knew existed! Please note that opening times may vary.
Parish Hall and Church of Our Most Holy Redeemer, Exmouth Market
The Parish Hall (Institute) and the adjoining Church are integral parts of a Grade II* range of buildings.
Discover more
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